By Justine Rich Talusan
THE Department of Health will start today (February 14) its pediatric vaccination for children aged 5-11 in the Ilocos region.
“I strongly advised parents to accompany their own children during the vaccination. We will not be giving vaccines to those with incomplete requirements. Importante po na mayroon po tayong maipakitang parent’s consent dahil ito po ay isa sa mahalagang kailangan upang mabigyan po ng bakuna ang inyong mga anak,” Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco said.
“Wala po tayong dapat ipangamba dahil ang Pfizer vaccine na ibibigay po sa mga bata ay aprubado ng ating Food and Drug Administration at ito ay epektibo at ligtas at makapagbibigay ng proteksyon upang sila ay hindi magkaroon ng malubhang karamdaman dulot ng Covid virus,” she emphasized.
The regional office has established 16 vaccination sites strategically located in various provinces, where parents and guardians may bring their children ages 5-11 years old, for vaccination from February 14 to 18.
In Ilocos Norte, eligible residents for vaccination may go to Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, Laoag City Health Office, Dingras Rural Health Unit and at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Health Office.
For Ilocos Sur, parents may proceed to Vigan City Health Office and Tagudin RHU.
Vaccination sites in Pangasinan are located at the Dagupan City People’s Astrodome, Conrado Estrella Trauma and Medical Center, Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital, Urdaneta District Hospital, Bayambang District Hospital, San Jacinto, Bani, Umingan Community Hospital and SM Rosales,
And for La Union, vaccination center will be at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center.
“For parents with children aged 5-11 years old, you may bring your children at the nearest vaccination sites in your area for the free COVID vaccine,” Sydiongco said.
A ceremonial vaccination activity will be conducted on February 14, at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center to mark the start of pediatric vaccination for the whole region.